John Hotchkiss, Age 37

Private, 39786, 117th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry.

Durham Light Infantry Cap Badge.

John was another soldier who although born in Dawley had moved and was living in South Shields at the time of him joining up. The 1/7th D.L.I were the pioneer battalion in the 50th Northumberland Division.

He was killed in action on 27th May 1918 and is remembered on the Soissons Memorial, Stone 28, his body not being found.

Extra Notes:
John was born in September 1880 and was living at 23, Hollingswood on the 1881 census with his father Hanry and mother Sarah, he had two older brothers and three older sisters, I can’t find the family in the 1891 census, in the 1901 census there is only John living with his mother and father at 2, Armstrong’s Building, Elison Road, Dunston, Gateshead.

John enlisted with the Northumberland Hussars on the 15/01/1902 Age 21 years 05 months, Number 41889, 35th Bn Imperial Yeomanry, company 158th, his occupation at that time was ironworker, his military history sheet shows he arrived in South African on the 26/05/1902 and left 08/11/1902, he was discharge on the 15 Nov 1902.

Enlistment form 1902.

John married Matilda Bray in 1906.

In the 1911 census John and Matilda are living at 54, Bensham Avenue, Gateshead on Tyne, with their two Daughters Sarah Mabel aged 3 and Mary Emily Margate aged 1, John is now working as a barman.

John enlisted on the 12th December 1915 and was appointed to the 4th D.L.I at Newcastle Age 35 years 4 months, his address was the Wheatsheaf inn, St Peter's, Newcastle upon Tyne, occupation bar manager,

Enlistment form 1915.

WWI Medal Rolls Index Card

Commonwealth War Graves
Commemorated Soissons Memorial

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Victory Medal	British War Medal